With the European Championships underway across Europe, talk of domestic football has taken a back seat but AFC Bournemouth’s search for a new manager is in full swing with Scott Parker as the clubs top target.
The Dorset based club missed out on promotion back to the Premier League and current Cherries boss Jonathon Woodgate’s contract is set to expire on June 30 with the club seeking to replace the former Real Madrid defender ahead of the new season.
After Fulham’s relegation from the Premier League, Parker’s future at Craven Cottage has come under increased scrutiny with Bournemouth ready to sweep in should the former England midfielder become available.
Parker has experience in the Championship having led Fulham to promotion in 2019/20, taking the Cottagers up through the playoffs, after finishing fourth winning 23 of their 46 regular season games.
With a proven track record in the Championship, Parker is believed to be Bournemouth’s preferred option for the manager’s role but whilst the Premier League winner remains contracted to the London club there are several hurdles they would need to overcome.
Sky Sports’ Dharmesh Sheth reported on Tuesday that if the Cherries wish to get their main man there would be compensation and severance pay to negotiate before any deal could be done.
The only way for the club to avoid paying Fulham any money would be if Parker is sacked or decides to resign – essentially waiving any severance pay.
After several years of monitoring Parker it seems that Bournemouth are keen to get the man they believe can bring the club back to English football’s top table with the club keen to emulate the success they enjoyed under former coach Eddie Howe.
It is yet to be seen whether or not Bournemouth will make contact with Fulham over any potential deal or wait to see if Parker himself expresses an interest in the job.
Cherries fans will be hoping for a new manager to be in place soon though with the new season just around the corner.